Gratitude Report
a message from Our Headmaster
This year, we’ve combined our Oasis magazine and our annual Gratitude Report into one issue. We’re grateful not just for the generous monetary donations from parents, grandparents, graduates, faculty and staff, and friends, but also for all of the other contributions you all have made to life at ESA. Within these pages, we invite you to join us in celebrating the 2023-2024 school year.
On June 1st, 59 seniors crossed the stage and became ESA alumni. Congratulations to the Class of 2024! When I meet up with ESA graduates on road trips, out in the Acadiana community, and at their class reunions, they usually ask me if ESA is still the same. And, of course, the answer is yes, and no.
As you’ll see in these pages, our students and teachers are exploring the challenges and possibilities of AI. They’re producing films and researching ways to grow beneficial algae in space. We’re tracking our seniors’ college acceptances on a Google map, as well as with pins in the bulletin board in Mr. Berthelot’s office. So in some ways, no.
At the same time, you can still walk into our classrooms and find teachers and students engaged in critical thinking, hands-on exploration, and creative problem-solving. We’ve maintained our participatory athletic program that welcomes every student to be a part of a team, and our teams continue to compete successfully. ESA Performing Arts presented two fantastic musicals, with lower, middle, and upper school actors and crew members. We’ve revived our speech and debate program after a twenty-year hiatus, and our competitors are already excelling. Our arts, athletics, and academic programs continue to challenge students to think and to thrive as individuals. Our students continue to believe they can learn anything. So in other ways, yes.
A few years ago, we asked students, teachers, and alumni for input as we created a master plan to revive the Cade campus. Working with architects, we have focused on updating the campus to support the incredible work our students and teachers are doing, but also to maintain the things we all love — the open spaces, the individual classroom buildings, and the feeling of blending into the landscape of this amazing setting.
We have been in the quiet phase of a capital campaign to raise the funds necessary to start the work of renewing the Cade campus, and we are ready to begin construction on the first two classroom buildings! I want to thank Drs. Chris Herrington, ’99, and A’Dair Williams Herrington, ’00, for their commitment to the campaign throughout the last school year. We will have more information about the campaign and the plans for the Cade campus in the next few months as we prepare to take our efforts public and ask you all to support us in preserving what we love about ESA and preparing our school for the future. Areté!
Paul Baker, PhD Headmaster, ESA
The Episcopal School of Acadiana Class of 2024
Members of the Class of 2024 will attend:
Baylor University
Centenary College of Louisiana
Durham University
George Washington University LSU
Mount St. Mary’s University
Pomona College
Pratt Institute
Rhodes College
Saint Louis University
Sarah Lawrence College
Texas Christian University
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Arkansas
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Georgia
University of Louisiana
University of Mississippi
University of Oklahoma
The University of West Florida
Tulane University of Louisiana
United States Naval Academy
The addition of these five legacy graduates brings the total number of ESA legacy graduates to 41.
Patrick Fitzgerald, son of Judge Charlie Fitzgerald, ’92
Parker Leger, son of Robbie Leger, ’94
Evan Lipari, son of Kelly Curtis Lipari, ’85
Camille Movassaghi, daughter of Eric Movassaghi, ’91
Carli Stelly, daughter of Brenda Ahrabi Stelly, ’85
Legacy Graduates 2024 Awards
Headmaster’s Award - Anna Breaux
Bishop’s Medal - Maria-Sofia Sotiropoulou
Tom Olverson Award - Owen Broussard
Faculty Awards - Allison Aucoin and Hailey Britton
Bishop and Mrs. Henton Award - Henry Fuller
Shriner’s Patriotism Award - Adleigh Caldwell and Jacques Gachassin
Daughters of the American Revolution Award - Alex Trahan
For Cum Laude, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Seal of Biliteracy, National Merit, departmental awards, and more, as well as lower and middle school recognition, visit the News section on our website at the QR code below.
A Tradition Continues
In May, the Class of 2024 traveled to France and England, where they visited the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Montmartre and Sacré Coeur, Chartres, Normandy, Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, the British Museum, and Canterbury. Side trips by different groups included a Manchester United v. Manchester City football match, a performance of Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe Theatre, an Eric Clapton concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and high tea!
© danny izzo, nouveau photeau
Total Gifts 2023-2024
Constituency Giving
- $1,455,975.00
Smedes-Jardine Legacy Guild
The society, named in honor of Mrs. Smedes-Jardine, who donated the property for ESA’s Cade campus, honors individuals who have provided for the school through deferred gifts such as bequests, life insurance, annuities and trust agreements.
Martha B. Brown Edna and Jim Cooper
The simplest way to support Episcopal School of Acadiana is through cash gifts. This form of giving makes an immediate impact and is fully tax deductible.
Long-term appreciated stocks and other securities may be transferred to ESA. The donor may avoid capital gains taxes upon sale of the stock and be able to claim a charitable deduction.
Individuals age 73 and older can donate up to $100,000 each year from their IRAs to ESA tax-free. Donors do not receive an income tax charitable deduction. However, this provision allows donors to transfer money from their IRAs directly to a qualified charity without having to recognize the transfer as taxable income.
Gifts of real estate can include a personal residence, a vacation home, a farm or ranch, income-producing rental property, or undeveloped land. Depending on the value of the real estate, the donor may be able to realize a charitable tax deduction and also avoid capital gains taxes.
Easy Ways to Make Your Charitable Gift
A bequest through a will is the most common form of planned giving. This is an attractive option for donors who wish to retain control of their assets during their lifetime and assist ESA at a future date. Bequests may designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage, or the residual of an estate after taxes, expenses and family needs are met. Important estate tax savings may be realized through this type of gift.
A donor may designate ESA to receive any remaining assets from an IRA or other qualified pension or profit-sharing plan. The donor maintains access to funds throughout his/her lifetime, and later gifts are deducted from their taxable estate. This may provide considerable tax savings to the donor’s heirs.
An individual may contribute a paid-up life insurance policy, buy a new policy, or contribute an existing policy to ESA. In addition, a donor may add ESA as a partial beneficiary to an existing policy. The donor may benefit from an immediate tax deduction or other more complex tax benefits, depending on how the insurance is given.
Lead trusts are usually created for a term of years within which ESA receives income. At the end of the trust period, the principal is passed on to the donor’s heirs.
ESA 2023-2024 Annual Fund
Leadership Volunteers
Donna Troyanowski, Development Committee Chair
Class Captains
Class of 2038 Meaghan McCarron Savoy, ’08 and Chris Savoy, ’07
Class of 2037 Giselle and Mathew Whittington
Class of 2036 Navita Gupta, ’04 and Jacob Breaux
Class of 2035 Malia and Robert Schacht
Class of 2034 Anu Gupta Desai, ’96 and Amol Desai
Class of 2033 Donna and James Troyanowski
Class of 2032 A’Dair Williams Herrington, ’00 and Chris Herrington, ’99
Class of 2031 Annie and Joe Spell
Class of 2030 Lesley Barousse Malinowski, ’93 and Matthew Malinowski
Class of 2029 Sarah and Blaine Walton
Class of 2028 Peggy and Joe Giglio
Class of 2027 Erin Reed Monica, ’90 and Joey Monica
Class of 2026
Class of 2025
1979 Leadership Society
The following donors made gifts of $5,000 or more to ESA’s 2023-2024 Annual Fund. Supporting the Annual Fund gives the school maximum flexibility to respond to current year needs and priorities that directly impact the student experience. The school highly values donor confidence in its ability to allocate charitable dollars where most needed, as well as having the faith in the school’s mission that these gifts represent.
Haley and Lon Baronne, ’00
Danielle and Tyson Cromwell, ’96
Jaime Boudreaux and Brad Dowden
Ann and Gene Dupree
Ashlyn Fortier and Cody McClanahan
Johnnie and Nick Gachassin
Leslie Godchaux
Christy and Jeremy Harson
Samual Hebert, ’17
Julie and William Kyle
Jennie and Brad Pellegrin
Class of 2024 Jennifer and Robbie Trahan
Annual Fund Giving by Constituency
Misty and Mark Herpin
*First Horizon Employee Match
*Novartis Matching Gift Center
Elizabeth Roché and Gary Holcomb
Melanie and Matt LeBlanc
Lesley Barousse Malinowski, ’93 and Matt Malinowski
Kara and Trey Miller, ’02
Stephanie Mills and Andrew McWhorter
*Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
Ashley and Jerome Moroux, ’97
Laura Lewis O’Connor, ’85 and Kevin O’Connor
Jennie and Brad Pellegrin
Kylie and Court Ramsay, ’83
Devin and Ashton Reed, ’00
Therese and Cliff Schumacher
William C. Schumacher Family Foundation
Annie and Joe Spell
Donna and James Troyanowski
Sarah and Blaine Walton
Giving Circle Donors
ESA gratefully acknowledges the following donors for their gifts during the 2023-2024 school year in support of the Annual Fund. These unrestricted gifts are the second largest source of funding, after tuition dollars, and make up the difference to balance the budget.
Benefactors Circle ($2,500 - $4,999)
Navita Gupta, ’04 and Jacob Breaux
Kelly and Kelly Cahill
Sheila Shankar and Camden Cornwell, ’09
Susan and Tom Cox
Anu Gupta Desai, ’98 and Amol Desai
Jamie DesOrmeaux
Tala and Kian Ehsan
Jessica and Bryce Fugarino
Jessica and Phil Gachassin
Gus Godchaux, ’07
*Abbeville Family Partnership
Neelam and Akshey Gupta
Britni and Stuart Hebert
A’Dair Williams Herrington, ’00 and Chris Herrington, ’99
Debby and Richard Kennedy
Ashley and John Martin
Erin Reed Monica, ’90 and Joey Monica
Kat and Eric Movassaghi, ’91
Lucy and Loki Osborn
Meaghan McCarron Savoy, ’08 and Chris Savoy, ’07
Malia and Robert Schacht
Becky and Stewart Shea III
The Shirley Family
Brenda Ahrabi Stelly, ’85 and Michael Stelly
Virginia and Patrick Stokes
Giselle and Mathew Whittington
Melissa and Matthew Williams, ’91
Yuna Tanaka and Zhen Xu
Headmasters Circle ($1,000 - $2,499)
Acadiana Suzuki Strings Institute
Anonymous
Lynn and George Arceneaux
Donna Aucoin
Lauren and Paul Baker
Lucy and Gerald ‘Butch’ Begnaud
Alaina and Jarrod Bergeron
Paula and Thomas Bertuccini
Carolyn and Paul Breaux
Lanah and Bill Brennan
Bonnie and Rusty Brown
Cade Rental, LLC
Lindy and Ray Camden
Patricia and Brady Como
Ross Majewski and Heather Davis, ’89
Cheryl and Wayne Delcambre
Sugared N’ More by Phuong Duong
Mary L. and John C. Eble
Pilar and Michael Eble
Charise and Mike Fashho
Ling Zhang and Yin Feng
Heidi and Jay Foret
Peggy and Joe Giglio
Leigh Godchaux, ’04
*Abbeville Family Partnership
Bhavya and Jatinder Bhardwaj
Jeanie and David Granberry
Dr. Thomas Greckhamer
Ormond and Jay Guenard
Brenda and Kirk Headley
Charice and Chip Hebert
Sally Herpin
Lynzie Boudreaux and Ryan Hoffpauir
Marnie and Casey Hoyt
Laura and Steve Jankower
Jamie and David Joseph
Ponchella Kelly-Boutte
Kip & King Marketing
Julie and William Kyle
Jacque LaBry, Sr., DDS and Kelly O’Reilly LaBry
Marcy and Lee Landry
Andrea Primeaux and C. Ben Landry
Amy and Chris Lee
Whitney Walker Linville, ’08 and Brandon Linville
Wei Zheng and Siao Yong Ly, ’92
Greta and Eric Massey
Blair and Wade May
Dr. and Mrs. Scott Mayers, ’95
Monica and Tom McCasland
Amy and Kyle McNamara, ’93
Stacie and Brandon Migues
Courtney and Stephen Nickel, ’91
Ginger and Michael Norvell Aimee and John O’Niell
Christie and John O’Reilly
Mr. and Mrs. A. C. G. Pettus, Sr.
Peggy and Bill Quinlan
Allison and Norris Rader
Sovannary and Virasith Rajapho
Kellie Richard
Juanita and Harold Rideau
Mina Ross, ’07
Ginger and Jim Roy
Megan and Eric Seidel
Jennifer and Sam Shuffler
Amelie and John Storment
Cristyana and Budi Sugeng
Sarah and Larry Thibodeaux
Jennifer and Robbie Trahan
Jasmine Bertrand and Louis Vale
Colleen and Jeff Wolverton
Donors Circle ($500 - $999)
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Avin
Karen and Lon Baronne I
Alyshia and Kenny Boagni, ’91
Roselyn and Joe Caldwell
Jenny Malin Cole, ’84 and James Cole
Tracie and Chris Cotteleer
Emily and Chuck Crochet
Jan and Terry Cromwell
Marin Dawson
April and Michael Defelice
Patti and Lamont Domingue
Elizabeth and Dustin Dorsey
Rev. Annie B. Etheredge
Jill and Paul Gabourel
Freda and Charles Garrison
Cindy and Paul Gulotta
Jan and Rick Hettich
Emily Ross Hidell, ’06 and Nick Hidell
Lauren and Daniel James
Kathy and Darren Ladner
Cecilia Dupré and Michael Lafleur
Marsha and Gary Landry
Megan Dobyns, ’99 and Peter Manganello
Gena and David Maraist
Jorge A. Martinez
Natalie and Ian Moity
Pilar Martinez Morrison, ’85
Hon. Willie L. Mount
Farha Khan and Ilyas Munshi
Joni and King Munson
Where Tech Can Take Us:
Across all divisions, students collaborate and create with AI.
Along with paintings, photographs, and ceramic pieces, our Visual Arts department submitted a new kind of artwork to UL’s Next Gen High School Juried Art Exhibition this year. Junior Luke Schwarz’s submission consisted of a projector displaying “A Construction of Flowers,” an AI art piece that generates never-before-seen flowers in real-time using a DCGAN (Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network) generative AI model, sourcing imagery from over 200,000 examples from 7,000 species.
While the emergence of AI and ChatGPT has raised concerns for educators, students and teachers have jumped into using AI tools to create. In the fall, third through fifth-grade AI Adventure enrichment cluster members explored a range of AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, Scratch, Craiyon, Code.org, and TeachableMachine. They invited experts to share information about various platforms and how they use them. At the end of the semester, the cluster team hosted an AI Lab to teach third, fourth, and fifth graders about accessing the tools and using prompts for drawing, animating, and writing.
In teacher Missy Gates’ senior literature class, The Science in Science Fiction, students took up the challenge of creating alien creatures and settings that could be central to a sci-fi book or movie. Drawing on their studies in the class and what they’ve learned in ESA science classes, the students worked in groups to develop detailed information about their imaginary life forms, including physical characteristics, reproduction, energy sources, respiration, communication, home environment, and how the creatures traveled to Earth. To create illustrations of the creatures and their homes, the seniors practiced writing prompts that would generate AI images. Through multiple iterations, they learned how to refine their prompts to match their imaginations.
A new club gives middle schoolers the tools to soar.
The Middle School Electronics and Design Team built their own racing drones and tested them around campus. In the process, they learned basic electronics skills and gained background knowledge in aviation and the physics of flight. Thanks to teacher Bullard Jones for providing these students with the opportunity to tackle this new challenge together!
(Giving Circle Donors Continued)
Micah Nicholas, ’13
Andrea and Jim Pate
Gretchen and Rob Payne
Nicole and Jason Quinlan
Andrew Reynolds, ’06
Missy and Don Ross
Nicole and John Roy
Elizabeth Turney Ryan, ’87 and Sean Ryan
Laurie and Jay Suire
Anne and David Tate
Dr. Corwin and Catherine Thomas
Angie and Craig Thompson
Cecile and William Trotter
Leah and Andy Vigé
Jane and Chuck White
Xin Yu and YuTing Yang
Liangya Pi and Yangwen Zhang
Difference Maker (up to $499)
Amy Achee
Demonica Allen
Ann and Hub Allums
Claire and Danny Alvarado
Michelle Poulet and Kyle Amy
Jenn Andrews
Céline Annerose
Anonymous
Vanessa and Skeet Anseman
Emily Arceneaux
Camille and Jared Arsement
Carla and Lewis Ashby
Penny and David Ayo
Julie and Randall Babineaux
Kathy and Ken Back
Georgeanna and Doug Bakeler
Virginia and Edward Baty
Claire Dawkins and Jason Bell
Natalie and Sam Bennett
Heather and Carlo Bentley
Sarah and Jon Berthelot
Chris Beyer, ’11
Claire and Brian Blanchard
Leann and Charles Blem
Lauren Guillory Bordelon, ’08 and Michael Bordelon
Liz and Robert Boudreaux
Angela and Kelly Bouillion
Rachel and Mike Bourgeois
Ryan Cormier and Alisha Bourque
Alysson and Doug Bourque
Jeanne Bourque
Box Tops for Education
Lisa and Mike Boyer
Allison Brandon
Emmy Breaux
Barbara Bridges
Jill and Charlie Broussard
Anne and Ken Broussard
Angie Delcambre Broussard, ’90 and Mark Broussard
Britni and Sean Brown
Katy Bujard
Donna and Marcel Bulliard
Helene and David Burgin
Beverly and Steven Burgin, ’01
June Burton
Charlotte and Don Cain
Delecia and Tom Carey
Nelwyn Slocum and Candace Carroll
Karen and Roger Carroll
Sybil and Jacoby Carter
Madame Harriet Castille
Kyle Caswell
Lanminh and Lloyd Chachere
Lacie Montie Chappuis, ’00 and Scott Chappuis, ’97
Keying Xu and Sheng Chen
Sun Yim and In Young Choi
Sebnem Cilesiz
Joni Clements
Deb Cochran
Sandy Thompson and Stu Cornwell
Caitlin Cotteleer, ’22
Paulette and Dicky Counce
Amber and Randy Curtis
Joyce and Daniel Daigle
Paul Conover and Ashleigh D’Aunoy
Kellie Dauphiney
Linda V. Dautreuil
Angela Granberry Davis, ’02 and Tyler Davis
Lesley Deshotels
Paula and Gaylon Deville
Celeste and Tom Dolan
Susan and Lloyd Dore III
Jennifer Doucet
Ashley and Jason Dugas
Paulette and Thomas Duhe
Cindy and Venice Duhon
Coty and Andre Eastin
Embark Fine Jewelry LLC
Holly Lamarche Feliz and Teylor Feliz
Melanie and Nicholas Fitzmorris
Sam and Damon Flugence
Alden and Ben Fontenot
Kari Foti
Clara Little Frugé, ’08 and John Frugé
Heather and Reese Fuller
Melissa Desormeaux Fuller, ’03 and Rob Fuller
Heather Sterling and Shamus Fuller
Dinky Fuselier, ‘88
Rosalind Garrett
Renee and Jason Garrot
Missy and Earl Gates
Margaret and Justin Girouard
Andrea and Zoltan Gombos
Shantell and David Gomez
Daniel Gould
Carla and Matt Granberry, ’98
Becky and Jim Gray
Cailey and Marshall Gray
Jennifer Desormeaux Graycheck, ’01 and Andy Graycheck
Susie and Malcolm Green
Karen and James Griffin
Josh Guagliardo, ’03
Mary Claire Guidry
Brittney Guillory and Rogers Guidry
Rose and Burton Guilbeau
Gwen and Dustin Guillotte
Gulf Coast Bank
Katie Garrison Habbit, ’01 and Blake Habbit
Kristy and Kenneth Hargrave
Connie Harper
Eva and Heath Headley
Barbara Helveston
Paul Henderson, ’83
Andrea and Greg Hernandez
Christina Hidalgo
Christine and Tim Hidell
Jennifer and Tim Hoffpauir
The Hollier Family
Ursula and Curtis Hudson, ’84
Laurie Edler Huffman, ’86 and Jason Huffman
Jeannine and Jo Hussey
Amy and Jason Janik
Brittany and Shane Johnson
Jenny Melanson, ’03 and Bullard Jones
Jardi and Rex Jones
Cindy and Scott Jordan
Kristi and Brad Judice
Tilda Judice
Molly and Prent Kallenberger
Christie and James Kane
Kelly Gambel Karam, ’10 and Mitch Karam
Tara and Matt Kennedy, ’03
Katie Cooper Kennedy, ’01 and Rick Kennedy
Alicia and Michael Klein
Cheryl and Teddy Knatt
Aline and Yamen Korab
Pavani and Ashok Kumar
Claire LaCroix
Suzanne and Glenn Lafleur
Amy and Tad Lalande
Dawn and Shay Lambright
Anne and Jeff Lancon
Liz and Ivy Landry
Alyse and Joshua Latiolais
Carole Lawrence
Dale and Dotsie LeBlanc
Mary Frances LeBlanc
Marci Lecky
Dione Leger
Carolyn and Kearney Leger
Marsha and Andy LeGoullon
Planning for a Greener Downtown
a partnership that could make a difference to the local community
Juniors and seniors in environmental science classes spend quite a bit of time collecting data and learning from experts at local lakes and waterways, but this spring, one project took students to an unlikely area - downtown Lafayette. After researching ecoengineering techniques, members of the class drafted letters to Lafayette’s Mayor-President detailing plans to make downtown Lafayette more sustainable and to increase biodiversity. Seniors Adleigh Caldwell and Millie Gros hoped to turn their ideas into reality, so they sent in their letter, which proposed decreasing temperatures and increasing pollinators through:
• cascading vertical wall planters that transport water through gravity
• rooftop gardens
• planters with a variety of vegetation that would attract different species of insects and animals and potentially provide homegrown produce
• trees for shade
• rain gardens in parks, and
• an island for animals.
Last spring, the girls sat down with members of the MayorPresident’s team: Jackie Vargas Beitia, Regulatory Compliance Supervisor; Bess Foret, Environmental Quality Manager; Jessica Cornay, Chief City Engineer; and Caylee Deshotel, Senior Communications Specialist, to discuss their proposal. The officials were excited about many of the ideas, and hope to partner with science department chair Christina Hidalgo’s future ESA environmental science students to see some of Millie and Adleigh’s projects installed downtown, starting with vertical planters on walls throughout the area.
“It was such a good experience,” said Adleigh, who plans to study architecture and historical renovation. “They’re more educated in this area than we are, and were able to give us honest feedback.”
While the government officials were impressed with the quality of the research, they pointed out that the girls hadn’t prepared a budget, and that funds are often limited for environmental projects. They also discussed regulations, and codes that must be considered, as well as the challenges of generating interest among businesses that don’t always see the benefit of the proposed changes. The conversation gave Adleigh and Millie insight into things they’d never considered, such as the extent of the various interests and government roles involved in urban planning.
“The partnership would be a great opportunity for ESA students to work with local government and to see environmental science concepts out in the real world,” said Millie. While she plans to study medicine, Millie loved having the chance to meet with professionals making progress in their field and to provide a start for a project that could make a difference to the local community.
(Giving Circle Donors Continued)
Troy LeJeune
Jasmine and Kendall Lewis
Kelly Curtis Lipari, ’85 and Michael Lipari
Ashley and Mike Lipari
Therese Ritter-Lisecki and Ed Lisecki
Mary Katherine Loos, ’15
Terri and Kearney Loughlin
Emily and Tom Lyles
Lizzy LaPointe, ’03 and Christiaan Mader, ’02
Paula and Bill Majeau
Anne and Chase Manuel
Vivica Marino
Yoly and Michael Mayeux
Emily Scott McCall, ’01 and Steve McCall
Jill McGehee
McNeely Family
Christie and Karl Meche
Adrienne and Jason Mejias
Michelle and Chuck Melchior
Holly Miller, ’89
Julie and Ken Miller
Deanna and Don Mills
Asa Moss I
Denise and Matt Mosser
Arlene and Mani Nagendran
Yvonne Nickel
Carolyn and Sven Oertel
Dani and Albert Oldfield
Betsy Olivier
Paulette and John Olivier
Krystal and Jonathan Olivier
Kathleen O’Shaughnessy
Elizabeth and Peter Pham
Nicole and Nick Pittman
Kellie Plaisance
Amanda Carr and Billy Plauché, ’84
Nicole and Kevin Poirrier
Kyle Amy and Michelle Poulet
Ursula Quoyeser
Sally and Matt Rainey, ’94
Shawn and Jamie Rhymes
Emily Burgin Richard, ’04
Leryn Richaud
Ed Roane
Sara and Austin Robichaux
Sarah Robinson
Lahna and Joseph Roche
Haillie Roden
Amie Rogers
Erin Pate Romero, ’98 and Blake Romero
Pierre Ros-Barbier
Allie Pate Rosen, ’95 and Garrett Rosen, ’97
Colleen Maley Rothman, ’01 and Jacob Rothman
Kat Plumley Roy, ’99 and Stuart Roy
Lauren and Charles Sarver
Dianne Savoy
Taylor and Jonathan Shirley
Brii Simmons
Anne and Charles Skipper
Monti and Bill Smith
Matilde and Cranston Smith
Susan and Dennis Smith
Rachel Snider
Elise Johnson Sonnier, ’98 and Scott Sonnier
Elena Babatsouli and Dimitrios Sotiropoulos
Anne Spears
Charlotte and Gene Sterling
Jerami Stortz
Lisa Strauss
Josette Surratt
Emily and Lance Theriot
Leslie Tidwell
Ginger Turner
Keeton Turner
Justin Uebinger
Kelly Uebinger
Donna and Rick Urban
Ann and Warner Veillon
Monica and Danny Vidrine
Satomi Wakisaka
Bonnie and Bobby Walton
Hope and David Wenger
Gail and Arthur White
Renee and Bill Wood
Donald Wood
New Roles and Farewells
Three ESA veterans have become department chairs this year. Congratulations and thank you to these leaders overseeing faculty, curriculum, student progress, and so much more!
Dr. Missy Gates, English Christina Hidalgo, Science Bill Wood, Social Studies
While outgoing chairs Andy LeGoullon and Garrett Rosen ’97 will continue teaching at ESA, Dr. Delecia Carey is retiring from teaching and preparing for another opportunity to serve. We’re incredibly thankful for her years of guidance as English department chair, advisor, accreditation manager, class dean, mentor, and friend. Farewell and happy retirement, Dr. Carey!
We’ve also bid farewell to Kathleen O’Shaughnessy, who has retired after serving as Lower School Admissions Coordinator for several years. We’re grateful to Ms. O for her many years of service to ESA as a middle school English teacher, Lower School Head, and admissions team member. In her place, Beverly Burgin will move from her role as Lower School science teacher to Lower School Admissions Coordinator and Director of Parent Engagement.
Finally, we wish our best to retiring staff members Assistant to the Head Sharlene Dubois and Cade Campus Receptionist Kathy Back!
Out of This World Research:
This ESA senior is growing lifesaving algae in conditions that mimic those in space.
Siyeon Joo, ’25, has been conducting independent research to investigate how Lyngbya, a filamentous genus of cyanobacteria, could grow on the International Space Station. The species of algae Siyeon chose to study produces anti-cancer cyanotoxins, and she hopes her research will prove its usefulness in maintaining the health of astronauts on the ISS. Under the mentorship of science teacher Brittany Grissom, Siyeon experimented with temperature, light control, and humidity. In the spring, she added the condition of microgravity to the list, with the help of equipment on loan from a University of Louisiana professor.
In November 2023, Siyeon presented her research at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research in Washington, D.C. She spent the week attending sessions, asking questions in breakout rooms, and connecting with the students, professors, and professionals there.
“The conference tested my confidence in my ability,” she says. “It was impactful in making connections and in finding my voice in talking about my current research and what it might entail in the future.” She added that the conference opened her eyes to what’s out there in the world of space research, and she especially enjoyed being able to hear about research before it’s published.
“It was more exciting than looking at a classified document,” Siyeon says. By becoming a part of the conversation early, Siyeon was thrilled with the ability to see the work of other scientists while they were still accepting input and while the studies could still be modified. “It brought me into being a contributor for the process,” she says. “It was very enriching.”
In networking with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as industry professionals and government researchers, Siyeon was surprised that they wanted to know more about her and to help her continue to grow in the field. “They want to see you succeed,” Siyeon says. “It ties back to how ESA functions as a community.”
Find more videos about Siyeon’s experience on our website.
Henton Society
Named for Bishop Willis R. Henton, first bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana and Chaplain Emeritus of ESA and his wife, Mrs. Martha Henton, the Henton Society recognizes the most loyal supporters of the Annual Fund, the school’s annual campaign for unrestricted support. The Hentons were devoted financial supporters of the school from its start. This giving society recognizes donors who have given to the Annual Fund for three or more consecutive years. Faithful support of the Annual Fund is a hallmark of the strength of our community.
20+ years
Lynn and George Arceneaux
Lauren and Paul Baker
Sarah and Jon Berthelot
Sandra Thompson and Stuart Cornwell
Kylie and Court Ramsay, ’83
15 – 19 years
Lisa and Mike Boyer
Angie Delcambre Broussard, ’90 and Mark Broussard
Deb Cochran
Patricia and Brady Como
Paulette and Richard Counce
Danielle and Tyson Cromwell, ’96
Ashley and Jason Dugas
Heather and Reese Fuller
Andrea and Greg Hernandez
Misty and Mark Herpin
Kristi and Brad Judice
Julie and William Kyle
Mary Frances LeBlanc
Marsha and Andy LeGoullon
Diana Maggini
Julie and Ken Miller
Kat and Eric Movassaghi, ’91
Joanie and King Munson
Jennie and Brad Pellegrin
Alison and Norris Rader III
Elise Johnson Sonnier, ’98 and Scott Sonnier
Virginia and Pat Stokes
Melissa and Matthew Williams, ’91
10 – 14 years
Claire and Daniel Alvarado
Anonymous
Donna Aucoin
Julie and Randall Babineaux
Kathy and Ken Back
Box Tops for Education
Emmy Breaux
Delecia and Tom Carey
Sybil and Jacoby Carter
Harriet Castille
Jennifer Malin Cole, ’84 and James Cole
Ashleigh D’Aunoy and Paul Conover
Amber and Randy Curtis
Linda V. Dautreuil
Angela Granberry Davis, ’02 and Tyler Davis
Paula and Gaylon Deville
Ann and Gene Dupree
Heather Sterling and Shamus Fuller
Jill and Paul Gabourel
Jessica and Phil Gachassin
Missy and Earl Gates
Carla and Matthew Granberry, ’98
Jennifer Desormeaux Graycheck, ’01 and Andrew Graycheck
Ormond and Jay Guenard
Gwen and Dustin Guillotte
Christy and Jeremy Harson
Charice and Chip Hebert
A’Dair Williams Herrington, ’00 and Chris Herrington, ’99
Ursula and Curtis Hudson, ’84
Laurie Edler Huffman, ’86 and Jason Huffman
Jenny Melanson, ’03 and Bullard Jones
Cindy and Scott Jordan
Claire LaCroix
Amy and Chris Lee
Kelly Curtis Lipari, ’85 and Mike Lipari
Paula and Bill Majeau
Yoly and Michael Mayeux
Adrienne and Jason Mejias
Michelle and Chuck Melchior
Erin Reed Monica, ’90 and Joey Monica
Ashley and Jerome Moroux, ’97
Farha Khan and Ilyas Munshi
Courtney and Stephen Nickel, ’91
Carolyn and Sven Oertel
Elizabeth and Peter Pham
Erin Pate Romero, ’98 and Blake Romero
Allie Pate Rosen, ’95 and Garrett Rosen, ’97
Jerami Stortz
Emily and Lance Theriot
Leslie and Jake Tidwell
William Keeton Turner
Renee and Bill Wood
6 – 9 years
Carla and Lewis Ashbey
Haley and Lon Baronne, ’00
Claire and Brian Blanchard
Leann and Charles Blem
Alyshia and Kenny Boagni, ’91
Rachel and Mike Bourgeois
Bonnie and Rusty Brown
Beverly and Steven Burgin, ’01
Kelly and Kelly Cahill
Lindy and Ray Camden
Nelwyn Slocum and Candace Carroll
Lanminh Pham and Lloyd Chachere
Keying Xu and Sheng Chen
Tracie and Chris Cotteleer
Emily and Chuck Crochet
Cheryl and Wayne Delcambre
Lesley Deshotels
Jamie DesOrmeaux
Celeste and Tom Dolan
Susan and Lloyd Doré
Cindy and Venice Duhon
Coty and Andre Eastin
Ling Zhang and Yin Feng
Melanie and Nicholas Fitzmorris
Heidi and Jay Foret
Jessica and Bryce Fugarino
Gus Godchaux, ’07
Andrea and Zoltan Gombos
Shantell and David Gomez
Daniel Gould
Jeanie and David Granberry
Mary Claire Guidry
Sally Herpin
Christina Hidalgo
Marnie and Casey Hoyt
Amy and Jason Janik
Jamie and David Joseph
Christie and James Kane
A Tradition of Adventure
The location may be different, but ESA eighth graders still take part in an annual outdoor adventure that has been part of ESA tradition since the school’s earliest years. In October, the Class of 2028 headed to North Carolina for backpacking in Pisgah National Forest, rock climbing, and rafting on the Nantahala River. Another ESA tradition that has grown out of the trip — writing about the experience in English class and sharing some of the stories and lessons in chapel. See more photos and excerpts from their stories on our website.
I’m always
so focused on the next thing that I never take time to slow down and think. This trip made me love life again and want to experience everything and live life to the fullest.
— Molly Granberry, ’28
(Henton Society Continued)
Debby and Richard Kennedy
Katie Cooper Kennedy, ’01 and Rick Kennedy
Alicia and Michael Klein
Aline and Yamen Korab
Pavani and Ashok Kumar
Kelly and Jacque LaBry
Kathy and Darren Ladner
Cecilia Dupré and Mike LaFleur
Amy and Tad Lalande
Dawn and Shay Lambright
Carole Lawrence
Dione Leger
Therese Ritter-Lisecki, MD and Ed Lisecki, MD
Emily and Tom Lyles
Ashley and John Martin
Jorge A. Martinez
Greta and Eric Massey
Blair and Wade May
Monica and Tom McCasland
Ashlyn Fortier and Cody McClanahan
Jill McGehee
Ramona and Loren McNeely
Christie and Karl Meche
Kara and Trey Miller, ’02
Deanna and Donald Mills
Natalie and Ian Moity
Asa F. Moss I
Ginger and Michael Norvell
Novartis Matching Gift Center
Dani and Albert Oldfield
Kathleen O’Shaughnessy
Amanda Carr and Billy Plauché, ’84
Nicole and Jason Quinlan
Ursula Quoyeser
Sally and Matt Rainey, ’92
Liz and Andrew Robertson
Jennifer and Sam Shuffler
Anne and Charlie Skipper
Monti and Bill Smith
Matilde and Cranston Smith
Rachel Snider
Annie and Joe Spell
Cristyana and Budi Sugeng
Josette Surratt
Jennifer and Robbie Trahan
Jane and Chuck White
Colleen and Jeff Wolverton 3 – 5 years
Abbeville Family Partnership
Céline Annerose
Anonymous
Jennifer Andrews
Emily Arceneaux
Camille and Jared Arsement
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Avin
Virginia and Edward Baty
Claire Dawkins and Jason Bell
Heather and Carlo Bentley
Alaina and Jarrod Bergeron
Lauren Guillory Bordelon, ’08 and Michael Bordelon
Alysson and Doug Bourque
Navita Gupta, ’04 and Jacob Breaux
Lanah and Bill Brennan
Britni and Sean Brown
Katy Bujard
Donna and Marcel Bulliard
Helene Augustin and David Burgin
June and Jack Burton
Cade Rental, LLC
Dr. Joseph and Roselyn Caldwell
Karen and Roger Carroll
Sheila Shankar and Camden Cornwell, ’09
Pilar and Michael Eble
Charise and Mike Fashho
Holly Lamarche Feliz and Teylor Feliz
First Horizon Employee
Matching Gift Program
Melissa Desormeaux Fuller, ’03 and Rob Fuller
Johnnie and Nick Gachassin
Rosalind Garrett
Renee and Jason Garrot
Peggy and Joe Giglio
Dr. Thomas Greckhamer
Susie and Malcolm Green
Kristy and Kenneth Hargrave
Lynzie Boudreaux and Ryan Hoffpauir
Jeannine and Jo Hussey
Lauren and Daniel James
Laura and Steve Jankower
Brittany and Shane Johnson
Jardi and Rex Jones
Tara and Matt Kennedy, ’03
Anne and Jeff Lancon
Marsha and Gary Landry
Liz and Ivy Landry
Marcy and Lee Landry
Alyse and Joshua Latiolais
Belle and Steven LeBlanc
Marci Lecky
Carolyn and Kearney Leger
Jasmine and Kendall Lewis
Whitney Walker Linville, ’08 and Brandon Linville
Mary Katherine Loos, ’15
Lesley Barousse Malinowski, ’93 and Matt Malinowski
Vivica Marino
Dr. and Mrs. Scott Mayers, ’95
Stacie and Brandon Migues
Betsy Olivier
Paulette and John Olivier
Lucy and Loki Osborn
Gretchen and Rob Payne
Kellie Plaisance
Nicole and Kevin Poirrier
Devin and Ashton Reed, ’00
Shawn and Jamie Rhymes
Kellie Richard
Juanita and Harold Rideau
Ed Roane
Sara and Austin Robichaux
Lahna and Joseph Roche
Pierre Ros-Barbier
Missy and Don Ross
Colleen Maley Rothman, ’01 and Jacob Rothman
Lauren and Charles Sarver
Becky and Stewart Shea
Susan and Dennis Smith
Elena Babatsouli and Dimitrios Sotiropoulos
Charlotte and Gene Sterling
Dr. Corwin and Mrs. Catherine Thomas
Donna and James Troyanowski
Ginger Turner
Justin Uebinger
Leah and Andy Vigé
Sarah and Blaine Walton
Allyson and Lee Womack
Donald Wood
Sarah Robinson
Amie Rogers
Kat Plumley Roy, ’99 and Stuart Roy
Meaghan McCarron Savoy, ’08 and Chris Savoy, ’07
Jan and Terry Cromwell
Ross Majewski and Heather Davis, ’89
Jessie and Stan Davis
Anu Gupta Desai, ’98 and Amol Desai
Mary L. and John C. Eble
Stephanie Mills and Andrew McWhorter
*Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
Nichole Montet
Phuong Duong and Vien Nguyen
Yvonne Nickel
What Would Beavers Do?
Through their study of animals, the students in Ms. Milissa Ross’s PK3 class were captivated by the remarkable ability of beavers to construct dams and lodges for their habitat. To further explore the life of beavers and to learn how lodges are made, Ms. Milissa provided a way for the students to build their own dams and lodges.
Imagining themselves as beavers, the children gathered sticks, twigs, leaves, rocks, dirt, and grass from around campus. Before they started building, they explored the materials, drew their design ideas, and explained them to their teachers. On building day, each group of two or three experimented with different ways to use the materials gathered to craft a dam that would hold water on one side to protect the beaver’s home. Rather than giving directions, the teachers gave the students the time and space to explore the task with their partners. Ms. Milissa was surprised at how much the students communicated through their actions in working with the materials, rather than by speaking.
“The children found joy in creating and connecting with one another as they worked together, and each object they used expanded their thinking,” she said. “A project like this demonstrates how capable, curious, and interdependent young children can be when given the opportunity.”
ESA Acorn Society
We are so grateful for first-time contributors to ESA. These donors supported the 2023-2024 Annual Fund with gifts ranging from $5 to $10,000.
Penny and David Ayo
Georgeanna and Doug Bakeler
Karen and Lon Baronne
Lucy and Gerald ‘Butch’ Begnaud
Paula and Thomas Bertuccini
Ryan Cormier and Alisha Bourque
Allison Brandon
Sebnem Cilesiz
Joni Clements
Susan and Tom Cox
Joyce and Daniel Daigle
Paulette and Thomas Duhe
Alden and Ben Fontenot
Clara Little Frugé, ’08 and Daniel Frugé, ’08
Bhavya and Jatinder Bhardwaj
Gulf Coast Bank
Katie Garrison Habbit, ’01 and Blake Habbit
Eva and Heath Headley
Elizabeth Roché and Gary Holcomb
Tilda Judice
Ponchella Kelly-Boutte
Suzanne and Glenn Lafleur
Melanie and Matt LeBlanc
Ashley and Mike Lipari
Hon. Willie L. Mount
Christie and John O’Reilly
Nicole and Nick Pittman
Sovannary and Virasith Rajapho
Emily Burgin Richard, ’04
Mina Ross, ’07
Dianne Savoy
Megan and Eric Seidel
Brii Simmons
Anne Spears
Sarah and Larry Thibodeaux
Donna and Rick Urban
Satomi Wakisaka and Daniel Gould
Bonnie and Bobby Walton
Xin Yu and YuTing Yang
Liangya Pi and Yangwen Zhang
ESA Oak Society
The ESA Oak Society honors and thanks donors whose contributions during the 2023-2024 school year to the Annual Fund, Tates/Tutwiler Endowment Fund, the Falcon Club, restricted funds, or pledge payments to the capital campaign total $2,500 or more. These generous leadership gifts provide the foundation of voluntary philanthropic support that sustains current operations and stewards the school for the future.
$50,000 and over
Anonymous
Misty and Mark Herpin
Ann and Pat Herrington
Marnie and Casey Hoyt
Jennie and Brad Pellegrin
Curry, ’05, Catherine and Rob Robison
Ginger and Jim Roy
$25,000 to $49,999
Anonymous
Danielle and Tyson Cromwell, ’96
Jessica and Phil Gachassin
Johnnie and Nicholas Gachassin, Jr.
A’Dair Williams Herrington, ’00 and Chris Herrington, ’99
$10,000 to $24,999
Lynn and George Arceneaux
Martha B. Brown
Phillip Poppa Dauterive III Foundation
The Franco-American Benevolent Society, Inc.
Samual Hebert, ’17
Elizabeth Roché and Gary Holcomb
Stephanie Mills and Andrew McWhorter
*Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
Laura Lewis O’Connor, ’85 and Kevin O’Connor
William C. Schumacher Family Foundation
Annie and Joe Spell
Amelie and John Storment
Donna and James Troyanowski
Melissa and Matthew Williams, ’91
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Mignon and Ben Baronne, ’04
Haley and Lon Baronne, ’00
Carolyn Barousse
Bonnie and Rusty Brown
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
Anu Gupta Desai, ’98 and Amol Desai
Jamie DesOrmeaux
Jaime Boudreaux and Brad Dowden
Ann and Gene Dupree
Four Paws Health LLC
Leslie Godchaux
Christy and Jeremy Harson
Melanie and Matt LeBlanc
Lesley Broussae Malinowski, ’93 and Matt Malinowski
Ashlyn Fortier and Cody McClanahan
Kara and Trey Miller, ’02
Erin Reed Monica, ’90 and Joey Monica
Ashley and Jerome Moroux, ’97
Lucy and Loki Osborn
Kylie and Court Ramsay, ’83
Devin and Ashton Reed, ’00
Malia and Robert Schacht
Therese and Cliff Schumacher
Sarah and Blaine Walton
$2,500 to $4,999
Navita Gupta, ’04 and Jacob Breaux
Kelly and Kelly Cahill
Sheila Shankar and Camden Cornwell, ’09
Susan and Tom Cox
Pilar and Michael Eble
Tala and Kian Ehsan
Jessica and Bryce Fugarino
Gus Godchaux
*Abbeville Family Partnership
Neelam and Akshey Gupta
Brenda and Kirk Headley/AMPOL
Britni and Stuart Hebert
Hub City Ford
Laura and Steve Jankower
Debby and Richard Kennedy
Ashley and John Martin
Dana and Tim Miller
Kat and Eric Movassaghi, ’91
Ginger and Michael Norvell
Meaghan McCarron Savoy, ’08 and Chris Savoy, ’07
Becky and Stewart Shea
The Shirley Family
Jennifer and Sam Shuffler
Brenda Ahrabi Stelly, ’85 and Michael Stelly
Virginia and Patrick Stokes
Stuller Family Foundation
Giselle and Mathew Whittington
Yuna Tanaka and Zhen Xu
State
Championships
95 and 96!
In the fall of 2023, Girls Swimming brought home
ESA’s 95th State Championship and the team’s third championship in a row! Boys Swimming took the RunnerUp spot for the first time since 2017. The girls 200 free relay team of Jiya Lodha, Ciara Farmer, Ella Walton, and Bella Bourque earned a first place medal. Ella Walton, ’24, will swim at Centenary College of Louisiana starting this fall.
Boys Track & Field earned our 96th State Championship in the spring! It’s the team’s second championship in a row.
Anderson Frank, ’25, was named the Male Track Athlete of the Meet, with individual championships in the 800, 1600, and 3200. Both Ella Walton, ’24, and Javion George, ’24, finished as State Champion in discus. Congratulations, Falcons!
2023-2024 Sidney Hebert Athletes of the Year
Anna Breaux, volleyball and tennis
Ella Walton, swim and track & field
Evan Lipari, soccer, golf, and tennis
ESA is ranked as the 10th best overall high school sports program in Louisiana in the 2024 MaxPreps Cup competition!
MaxPreps tracks high school sports across the United States, and awards points based on state championship and runner-up finishes, as well as national rankings and factors such as size of the state, popularity of the sport, the enrollment division, and the number of teams competing in each enrollment division. ESA is among the best schools in the state across all divisions. Our participatory athletics program welcomes every student to be a part of a team, and nearly 80% of our students choose to compete, many on multiple teams. Congratulations to our student athletes and our coaches! Follow @esafalconclub on Instagram and Facebook for updates in 2024-2025. Go Falcons!
Performing and Visual Arts Highlights
The band Ultrasound, featuring Owen Broussard, Jacques Gachassin, Curtis Hidalgo, Hayden Ladner, all members of the Class of 2024, and Aiden Gewin, ’25, won the High School Battle of the Bands and earned a spot performing at Festival International.
“Captive,” a film by Sadie Ross, ’24, was selected for the Purple Sky Film Festival and Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions. Sadie also won the Best Cinematographer award in the Prague International Film Festival, and was a Global Shorts award winner for the film.
Lower School Musical - Junie B. Jones, Jr.
Cade Musical - The Wizard of Oz
Lower and Middle School Arts Reception
Senior Art Exhibition and Street Concert at Cité des Arts
Falcon Club Members
PLATINUM LEVEL
Bonnie and Rusty Brown
Pilar and Michael Eble
Leigh Godchaux, ’04
A’Dair Williams Herrington, ’00 and Chris Herrington, ’99
Erin Reed Monica, ’90 and Joey Monica
Lucy and Loki Osborn
Jennie and Brad Pellegrin
Jennifer and Sam Shuffler
Jennifer and Robbie Trahan
Sarah and Blaine Walton
GOLD LEVEL
Jan Aillet
Emily and Chuck Crochet
Jill and Paul Gabourel
Jessica and Phil Gachassin
Missy and Earl Gates
Misty and Mark Herpin
Kara and Trey Miller, ’00
Kristine and John Olivier
SILVER LEVEL
Lanah and Bill Brennan
Bridget and Daniel Chaisson
Ann and Gene Dupree
Mallory Gaspard, ’15
Carla and Matt Granberry, ’98
Thomas Greckhamer
Kristi and Brad Judice
Kelly Gambel Karam, ’10 and Mitch Karam
Kathy and Darren Ladner
Therese and Ed Lisecki
Michelle and Chuck Melchior
Philippa and Frank Mueller
Sally and Matt Rainey, ’94
Patti and Mitch Reed
Emily and Tim Rinaldi, ’07
Donna and James Troyanowski
Falcon Club Evening Under the Oaks
SPONSORSHIPS
AMPOL
Dr. Lon Baronne, ’00 and Dr. Ben Baronne, ’04
Jamie DesOrmeaux
Dr. Jaime Boudreaux and Dr. Bradley Dowden
Four Paws Health LLC
Dr. A’Dair Williams Herrington, ’00
and Dr. Chris Herrington, ’99
Hub City Ford, Inc.
Dr. Dana and Tim Miller
Nursing Specialties
Malia and Robert Schacht
Sterling Automotive Group, Inc.
Stuller Family Foundation
AUCTION DONORS
Acadiana Center for the Arts
Acadiana Women’s Health Group Medical Spa
Adeline Clothing
Victoria Alleman
Amor
Jenn Andrews
Breezy & Co. LLC
Burning Stick Creative
Delecia and Floyd Carey
Caroline & Co.
Central Pizza & Bar
Club Pilates
Phil Coghilla
Annie Cormier, ’08
Dakar NOLA
Karen deClouet
Desai Eye Care
Jamie S. DesOrmeaux
Kim and Otis Drew
Danielle DuBois
Ashley Dugas
Michael Eble
Tala and Kian Ehsan
EMBARK Fine Jewelry
Farm d’Allie Golf Club
Jason Fatheree
Adam Glover
Jennifer Desormeaux Graycheck, ’01
Great Harvest Bread
Dean Guidry, ’08
Hemline
Hilliard Art Museum
Hubbell Dermatology
JOI Johnston
Anastasiya Kasko
Kelli Kaufman
La Femme
LaBry Family Dentistry
Mr. and Mrs. Iggy Landry
Sarina Lapeyrouse
Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club
Marcello’s Lafayette
Jenny Melanson, ’03
Maggie Mouton
Dallas Mouton
Kat Movassaghi
Dr. and Mrs. Mani Nagendran
O2 Face & Body Spa
On the Fringe
Oubre Orthodontics
Palmyre
Nicholas Pittman
Pour Restaurant & Bar
Ursula Quoyeser
Liz and Andrew Robertson
Sara Robichaux
Rock ‘N’ Bowl de Lafayette
Amie Rogers
Pierre Ros-Barbier
Malia Schacht
Paul Schexnayder
Sibley Designs
Brii Simmons
Sky Craft Circus
Bill Smith
Elise Johnson Sonnier, ’98
Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant
Studio One 2 One
Sundays Soda Fountain
Lue Svendson
Swoon Boutique
Symetrie Cosmetic Tattoo Studio & Spa
Ton’s Drive-In
Vestal Restaurant
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
Willa Jean
Sara Yentzen
Looking Up for Inspiration
Third, fourth, and fifth graders in the Student Leadership Cluster turned to experts close to home - Upper School Student Council membersto learn how they lead.
Enrichment clusters, one of the pillars of the Lower School’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model, give first through fifth-grade students the chance to explore a topic by learning from experts in the field and practicing their work methods. Third, fourth, and fifth graders in the Student Leadership Cluster turned to experts close to home - Upper School Student Council members - to learn how they lead.
The younger students interviewed STUCO president Anna Breaux, ‘24, and other members of the executive team about how to best serve the interests and needs of a student body, how to approach teachers and administrators, and how to implement their ideas. The cluster members created a student survey and gave all first through fifth-grade students the chance to respond. Armed with the results and a formal proposal of their plans, they approached Lower School Head Elizabeth Pham.
One of the results of their efforts was the approval of one Free Dress Day per month for the last three months of the school year. While the Lafayette Campus had spirit dress days on which students were allowed to wear spirit t-shirts with uniform bottoms or jeans, they’d never had Free Dress Days like the Cade Campus.
To roll out the plan to the lower school community, the cluster members researched all free dress guidelines in the middle and upper school handbooks, adapted them to the lower school, and presented a fashion show to highlight them. The three Free Dress Days in the spring semester were a huge hit, and it looks like a new tradition has been born!
ESA Speech and Debate is
Back!
After a twenty-year absence, ESA Speech and Debate is back in action and already succeeding at the highest level! Paxton Fischer, ’27, qualified for the 2024 National Speech & Debate Tournament, held in Des Moines in June. One of only two students from Louisiana, and 100 from throughout the country, Paxton participated in the Congressional Debate category.
In chapel in the spring, team members, along with coach and social studies teacher Rex Jones, gave demonstrations of the different speech and debate events, including impromptu speaking, congressional debate, dramatic interpretation, and LincolnDouglas debate.
We are equally proud of the ESA Quiz Bowl team for earning a spot at the Small Schools National Competition in May.
(left to right) Abby Thibodeaux, Ellie Gates, Ainsley Bourgeois, Paxton Fischer, and Ivy Anseman
Parent Group Volunteer Corps
Allison Brandon
Bonnie Brown
Lindy Camden
Catherine Comeaux
Alexis DeJean
Jamie DesOrmeaux
Malika Dodhia
Tala Voosoghi Ehsan
Ashlyn Fortier
Eva Barlow Headley
Illuminating College Admissions
Emily Ross Hidell, ’06
Brittany Johnson
Kelly LaBry
Blair May
Emily Scott McCall, ’01
Kara Miller
Erin Reed Monica, ’90
Kristine Olivier
Lauren Johnson Pryor, ’99
Malia Schacht
Amanda Shea
Jennifer Shuffler
Ashima Srivastava
Heather Sterling
Mary Tadin
Catherine Thomas
Sarah Walton
Hope Wenger
Melissa Williams
ESA’s new college counselor, Marshall Gray, introduced a series of College Talks to educate parents about the college admissions process, standardized testing, financial and merit aid, and more. In February, he hosted an evening event with Mr. Heath Einstein, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Texas Christian University, who spoke to students and parents about today’s college admissions landscape.
Mr. Einstein offered advice on how to find a school that’s a good match and how to approach the application process. One of his messages: College admissions officers know the strength of ESA’s curriculum. While TCU’s admit rate for 2023 was 42%, the university admitted 80% of the ESA students who applied.
Mr. Gray tracked the Class of 2024’s acceptances on a Google map. Use the QR code to see the map, and the 109 colleges and universities across the United States and internationally, that offered the 59 graduates spots in their freshmen classes and more than $7.3 million in merit aid.
One of his messages: College admissions officers know the strength of ESA’s curriculum.
Family Bingo Sponsors
Acadiana Pediatric Dentistry
Bayouside Trees, LLC
Bentley & Company Wealth Management
Bluebirds Ballet Academy LLC
C.A.S.E., Inc.
Cajun Customs Auto Refinishing Inc.
The Fugarino Family
Henderson Wholesale
Hub City Ford
Laura and Steve Jankower
Kinder Kollege Learning Center LLC
LaBry Family Dentistry (The LaBry Family)
Machine Specialty & Manufacturing
Mayers Mental Health LLC
Harper and Thomas Miller
Neurological Solutions of Lafayette
Parish Surfaces
Parties Plus Bridals (Iberia Rental Service)
Pixus Digital Printing
Randazzo Giglio Bailey Finch and Woods
Malia & Robert Schacht
Dr. David Tadin with Cardiovascular Institute of
South
Sales and Service, Inc.
The Walton Family WCC Furniture & Mattress Center Wilson’s Janitorial Service, Inc. Xclusive Auto Spa
Family Bingo Door Prize Donors
Absolutely Irresistible Monogramming
Aisha’s Salon
Baranda’s Mexican Grill
Beignet
Honoring The Rev. Charles Rodney Smith
Last year, we were delighted to honor ESA’s first headmaster, The Rev. Charles Rodney Smith, during chapel in Cade. Dr. Baker, along with former faculty member Cabell Tutwiler and alumnus Bill Lasseigne, ’85, welcomed Fr. Smith back to ESA. Fr. Smith spoke about the school’s first year in the First Baptist Church basement in Lafayette, the move out to the Cade campus, and the impact of our caretaker, Mr. Sidney Hebert. He described bringing the whole school together in the Old Chapel each day, and the role of expeditional education in the ESA curriculum. Thanks to Bill for spearheading the tribute! Use the QR code to find a video of the event.
Alumni News
1992
Mandi Guillotte Pooler was named Town Planner Publisher of the Year at the national conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Mandi publishes nine editions with a total distribution of over 95,000 calendars.
1997
1993
Dr. Ted Veillon, Jr. was featured in an article in The Advocate about Louisiana’s infant mortality crisis and the doctors who are making a difference. Ted, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Women’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, flies around the state to see patients with high-risk pregnancies who otherwise wouldn’t have access to such specialized care.
Lindy Blevins is Chief People Officer at Upperline Health based in Nashville. Her hobbies include watching the Disney/ Pixar assortment of kids movies, playing trains and cars, and doing art activities with her two children, Thatcher, 5, and Temple, 3. On occasion, she finds the time to read books for pleasure.
Ryan Brashier graduated from the University of Mississippi’s MBA program this summer. He is still writing original music and playing shows around Colorado with his band, Stocks (@playthestocks). Ryan has two daughters, Charlotte, 8, and Mary Ryan, 5. Some of his favorite memories at ESA were in Madame Garboushian’s classroom, and he says that’s why he named his first daughter Charlotte Cecile.
1995
Preston Robinson’s firm, Robinson+Kennedy, earned a Reed Award for Best Biographical TV Ad.
Scott Chappuis recently became Vice President and Director of Design at Architects Beazley Moliere.
Country
Natalie Rabalais House earned a BA from Clemson University and an MEd from Winthrop University. She began working as an elementary math instructional coach for Kershaw County School District in August 2023 after teaching middle school math for 22 years. Having worked in public schools, Natalie says that the ESA experience is truly unique. “When I tell friends and coworkers about the field trips (like to Europe and GlobeTrek), daily chapel, and the close relationships between students and faculty, they are amazed. I look back fondly on the dedication of our teachers, who made sure we had solid experiences to develop our whole selves, not just our academics,” Natalie says. She has two boys, Carter,15, and Parker, 10, and spends a lot of time on soccer fields with her oldest son.
ESA Cross
alumnus Meyer Friedman has been named to the New Orleans Track Club’s Hall of Fame.
1998
Matthew Mahony is the Principal of Summer Creek High School at Humble ISD.
Erin Pate Romero is serving as the marketing director for Cadence Insurance, a Gallagher company. She and her husband Blake are the parents of three current ESA Falcons, Coen, Ian, and Jackson. You will most likely find them supporting the Falcons at the soccer field, basketball court, or baseball field. “Experiencing ESA through our children and watching them grow and become stewards of our community is most rewarding,” says Erin.
Matthew Soulier lives in Houston, and has three sons ages 13, 11, and 6. He is a Vice President at PERC Engineering, a private midsized engineering and consulting group in the Energy Industry.
Eleanor Tutwiler Macken , ’98 earned a BA from Middlebury College and an MA from Western Carolina University. Eleanor says, “I remember every teacher I had at ESA -- they were really dedicated and caring people, and gave so
Alumni News Alumni News
much of their time and energy to help me and my peers learn and develop into inquisitive and active young adults. I am a teacher as well, and so they clearly had influence over me (as did my dad). I talk to my kids a lot about my time playing soccer and volleyball at ESA and being part of the State Championship teams! Coaches Rhoades, Quoyeser, Campbell, and Broussard, as well as Mr. Pee, will always have a place in my heart. I also talk a lot about the Outing Club and the crazy adventures we took, led by my father, especially to the Rio Grande and to the Chattooga River in Georgia. Those adventures influenced a number of my early jobs (raft guide and outdoor leader and camp counselor) and are probably the reason that I now live in the mountains of North Carolina and take every opportunity that I can to hike and boat, and to teach my kids how to become outdoor adventurers. I also love to tell travel stories about when Mrs. Bacque took the art club to Italy and when we traveled to France and England my senior year.”
Avery Alpha is Principal Deputy
Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Elizabeth “EB” Brooks spent 18 years helping to save and build Moncus Park. Now she lives in Colorado, where she is consulting and enjoying all of the access to outdoor adventures in her free time.
Brandon Brown is the Chief CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) at Touro Infirmary. He lives in New Orleans with his wife and three children. Brandon’s vivid ESA memories: daily bus rides with Sandy from Lafayette to Cade, memorizing the prologue to The Canterbury Tales, outdoor chapels, and shirt tails being cut off!
Shome Dasgupta’s novel about muumuus and an underground auctioning club called The Muu Antiques was published in 2023 by Malarkey Books, and his collection of prose - both creative nonfiction and fiction - called Histories of Memories was published by Belle Point Press in 2023. In the summer of 2024, Belle Point Press is publishing a collection of
A SHARED EXPERIENCE
Over the years, hundreds of ESA students have attended Camp Hardtner, a ministry of the Episcopal Church and “a Christian community that comes together for one week every year to play, laugh, cry, sing, and worship in the eyes of God.” This year, 30 current ESA students, as well as alumni serving as counselors and volunteers and children of alumni have connected at Camp Hardtner in the Piney Woods of central Louisiana.
“My experience at Camp Hardtner was one full of love.” says Andrew Crochet, ’25. “I started this summer, which could seem a little bold, but I was so happy to find so much welcome and community waiting for me, as well as a lot of fun.”
Louisiana-themed short stories called Atchafalaya Darling. Shome is serving as a guest judge for The Wavelengths Chapbook Contest in the summer as well. His work was most recently anthologized in Best Small Fictions 2023 and nominated for Best of the Net 2024.
Louis David has been selected as New Orleans Business Alliance’s President and CEO.
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Lindsay Meador Young attended Loyola University in New Orleans for both her undergraduate and law school studies. She is a shareholder and attorney at Galloway Johnson, and serves as the president of the Lafayette Bar Association. Lindsay loves going to the gym, living in the country, raising chickens, and spending time with family and friends. She is an ESA parent with a son, Carson, in first grade, and says it has been a great way to see fellow alumni who are also current parents.
It helped make me a great fit in my role as a part-time instructor with the Center for Nonprofit & NGO Studies at Northern Illinois University.” Anna Mary married in 2010, and has three young boys, Foster, 9, Deacon, 5, and Holden, 3, who fill her days (and laundry room) with purpose.
2000
Faith Choate Roy received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UL Lafayette in Communicative Disorders. She is a licensed SpeechLanguage Pathologist and has been working in nursing home settings for the past 17 years. After serving as Director of Rehab, for the past three years, Faith has been the VP of Operations for Essential Rehab Solutions, a contract therapy company partnering with nursing homes across Texas and Louisiana. She and her husband Bryan married in ESA’s Henton Chapel fifteen years ago, and have two daughters, Ella, 12, and Amalie, 9.
2001
Danny Bourque was the team choice award winner in the Hum3D Sci-Fi Industrial Zone 3D competition. A motion graphics designer and animator, Danny was one of 17 artists with work on display at the Constellations International Festival in Metz, France.
Anna Mary LeBlanc Walker is the founder and principal consultant for AM/PM Solutions & Services. She says, “I continue to be a life-long student with a growth mindset and interested in just about everything, which I fully attribute to ESA.
Leila Sahni has a BS in chemistry, an MPH with a specialization in health promotion, and a PhD in epidemiology. She is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, where she is an infectious disease epidemiologist with research interests and expertise in disease-based surveillance, pediatric infectious diseases, vaccine effectiveness, and vaccine hesitancy.
Chelsea Staires Sun and her family lived in Barcelona, Spain, for the 2023-24 school year to adventure, learn, and grow together. Chelsea says, “We’ve been fortunate to visit many countries and multiple continents. We have a strong drive to raise conscientious, open-minded global citizens. I credit this, in no small part, to my world-expanding
Senior trip to England and France with ESA many years ago!”
2002
Kady Bourgeois Van Hook is a fulltime mother to daughter Rachel, 9. She says her latest challenge is teaching first grade as a maternity leave substitute at St. Francis Episcopal School “Not a day goes by where I don’t feel the impact of ESA teachers in some way. I carry y’all in my heart,” says Kady.
Alix Gonsoulin married Joseph Morris in May of 2023. She is the VP of Product Operations at Stuller.
Farouki Farouki, the New Orleansbased firm founded in 2015 by interior designer Caroline Landry Farouki and her husband, architect Sabri Farouki, was featured in Architect, the journal of the American Institute of Architects. The Faroukis were named Architect’s Next Progressives. Caroline earned a B.A. in environmental studies with a minor in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MFA in interior design from SCAD.
Casey Sollberger is the father of two wonderful boys, and is teaching middle school engineering electives at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy.
2003
Danielle Menard Broussard earned a bachelor of science degree in Architectural Studies from UL Lafayette. She has been married to her husband Beau for 18 years. Her daughter, Emily, is studying Diagnostic Medical Sonography at LSU Eunice and is an accomplished flutist. Her son, Bienvenue, is a freshman in high school and plays on the North Vermilion JV Soccer Team. Danielle and Bienvenue both became US certified soccer referees last summer.
Janie Lopez List recently wrapped up managing a $75M fundraising campaign for a new pediatric mental health hospital. Janie’s favorite ESA memories: The trips to NOLA for volleyball state championships were the best - the decorated bus, rolling down the grassy hill, the visual sessions right before the big game, etc.
Stephen Shirley has a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Denver. He still lives in Colorado, where he enjoys trail running, rock climbing, and playing in the mountains.
Corey Hebert graduated from UL Lafayette with a BA in Philosophy, from Tulane Law School with a JD, and from the University of Edinburgh with an MSc in Epistemology, Ethics, and Mind. He describes one of the highlights of his time at ESA: “I was going down the final zipline over the lake at the GlobeTrek camp, and there was a camp counselor at the end to throw us a rope and bring us in. I accidentally kicked him into the lake when I tried to catch the rope, and got stuck in the middle of the zipline. Coach Rhoades was there to throw a rope over the zipline and hold down the end in case anyone got stuck, but couldn’t get it over because he was laughing too hard.”
Katie Tutwiler Colby graduated from Scripps College with a BA in European Studies, and from the University of New Orleans with an MBA. Katie says, “I’ve recently
learned how to play pickleball and to ride my bike with no hands! I’ve also started playing volleyball again with colleagues at work. On another note, although neither of my kids have grown up in Louisiana (4 & 7 years old), I am quite proud that they both LOVE gumbo.”
2004
Emily Burgin Richard lives in Baton Rouge with her husband Ryan and their four children. She works as a dermatologist at The Baton Rouge Clinic. Emily says, “I have wonderful memories of my years at ESA. The education I received there prepared me for a career in medicine, and I learned many valuable life lessons from my experiences in athletics.”
Alex McVeagh earned a B.S. in Economics from Vanderbilt and a J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School. He was appointed by the Tennessee governor as a county judge in 2017 to hear civil and criminal cases. Alex founded and presided over a Drug Recovery Court, and was re-elected in 2022. In March 2024, he was elected to serve as a state trial court judge.
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2005
Kimia Ghalambor Cressy graduated from UCLA in Business Economics, Accounting & French, and earned a J.D. from UCLA Law School.
Natasha Manuel Mattappally lives in New Orleans, where she completed both college and law school. After practicing law, she earned a master’s in elementary education, and currently teaches sixth-grade ELA. She has three children and a dog, and she and her family love traveling and spending time together.
Nick Eure works in Sanctions Compliance for the multinational investment bank and financial services corporation Citigroup. Nick earned a degree in finance from Stetson University in 2010, and stayed in Florida for Stetson Law School, completing his J.D. in 2013. And yes, he still plays soccer!
2007
Tim Rinaldi is the Executive Director of Miles Perret Cancer Services in Lafayette, and is the father of four boys.
2006
Eleanor Brown was appointed Director of Sustainability by Southworth Development, a global real estate developer of golf and private club communities. Eleanor earned a B.A. in Marine Science and Environmental Studies from the University of San Diego, a J.D. from Louisiana State University Law School, and an LL.M. from the University of California, Berkeley with a focus on energy storage for water conservation.
2008
Dr. Pete Croughan is the Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Pete graduated from Yale University with a degree in History of Science and Medicine. He earned an M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco, and completed an internal medicine residency at Harvard Medical SchoolMassachusetts General Hospital. Pete worked with the Louisiana Department of Health from 2017 to 2020 as Policy Director, Chief
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HOUSTON ALUMNI GATHERING
In 2023, we spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Houston catching up with Kristen Rice Smith, ’06, Elson Smith, ’06, Michelle Reynolds Clark, ’00, Lyle Williams, ’88, Marcy Mayers Laviage, ’91, Elise Mayers Bouchner, ’87, Kady Bourgeois Van Hook, ’02, Becky Anderson Clarke, ’83, Lex Pierre, ’09, Holly Miller, ’89, Mandy Cedars Stevens, ’01, Rick Miers, ’01, and Alexandra Hales Elizondo, ’03. Thanks to Marcy for hosting us in her home, and to Holly and Kady for co-hosting!
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of Staff, and Special Advisor. After finishing his residency, he worked as an addiction and internal medicine physician at the Acadiana Area Human Services District in Lafayette and Crowley.
Corey Jones co-founded the firm E Squared Ventures with partner Stephanie Dorsey in 2020. The firm invests in food and agriculture companies, using technology to change those industries.
Meaghan McCarron Savoy is the owner of La Femme Lingerie in Lafayette and was a Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award honoree.
2011
Bill Croughan is completing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. His dissertation focuses on memory and how our memories are formed. Bill completed his undergraduate work in 2016 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he studied Math and Computer Science. Music is still a passion for Bill, too!
2012
Katherine Faul Boustany taught ESA’s chemistry classes for a day last year, and will return as a full-time chemistry teacher for the coming year. Katherine earned a bachelor of science degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M, and a master’s
degree in respiratory therapy from UT Health in San Antonio, one of only eight schools in the country that offer the degree at the masters level. She began her studies at UT Health in 2019, and trained in some of the most acute Covid units in the country, including a rotation in the NICU and PICU at Johns Hopkins. She has been working as a respiratory therapist with Ochsner Lafayette General in the adult ICU and the bronchoscopy suite. On her day as a sub, she discussed acidbase balance with our chemistry students, and had them interpret patient data to understand how blood chemistry affects the body.
J.J. Jacquet connected with members of the Food Around the
World enrichment cluster, a group of lower school students exploring careers in food. J.J. works at The Palm, a steakhouse and Italian restaurant in New York City. In answering the students’ questions, he shared that he attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, and completed an externship at The Palm that led to a full time job. He prepares everything from homemade meatballs and three cheese dishes, to tuna and lobster. His advice for the cluster members: “How much you apply yourself and care about what you’re doing is how much you get out of it.”
attended Florence University of the Arts in Italy for a one-year program in the university’s School of Food and Wine Studies. She worked as a pastry chef at Soho House in New York, a members-only club and hotel in the Meatpacking District, then made ice cream, doughnuts, and more on Cape Cod before returning home to bake for her parents’ restaurant, Caribbean Ice Company.
Schiro, ’12
Max Kallenberger, ’09, and Fallon Foti Kallenberger, ’09, welcomed identical twin boys, Henry and Owen, on May 24, 2023, in Austin, Texas. The twins arrived prematurely at 34 weeks and were admitted to the NICU, where Maddie Schutte Hazel, ’11 served as their primary NICU RN for their three-week stay. The Kallenberger twins went home healthy!
Max Kallenberger, ’09, Fallon Foti Kallenberger, ’09, Maddie Schutte Hazel, ’11 and the Kallenberger Twins
2013
Micah Nicholas, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, was a Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award honoree!
Elizabeth Shensky Hansen is making a name for herself in her hometown of New Iberia. Featured in The Advocate, Elizabeth explained that she
2015
Mateo Atwi, ’15, and his brother Tiago, ’14, have launched US Frame Company, a division of BOXY Construction, to produce metal framing for construction projects. They are based at the Port of Iberia.
2016
Abigail Bullock CSW, graduated from LSU in December with a Master’s of Social Work degree. In 2020, she earned a BA in elementary education with a minor in psychology from Millsaps College. Abby works at
An article by Dr. Samantha Schiro, ’12, was published in the July 2023 issue of the Journal of Forensic Sciences. The article is based on Samantha’s graduate school dissertation focusing on the prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder in forensic science professionals. Samantha commissioned into the Air Force in June 2021 as a captain, her current rank. In 2022, she received a doctorate degree in Psychology (PsyD) from the University of Indianapolis following completion of an internship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. She is now a fully licensed clinical psychologist, and works as an active duty mental health provider at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she treats active duty military members for various mental health-related conditions.
Samantha
Caitlyn Eid,
Caitlyn Eid, ’16, graduated from Lewis and Clark University in Portland, Oregon, in June of 2024 with a Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in addiction. Before her graduate work, Caitlyn earned a BA in Psychology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. She is currently an intern at a detox and residential facility in Washington, where she treats clients and facilitates groups for those battling addiction, and she plans to obtain dual licensure in Oregon and Washington.
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Baton Rouge General Wellness Center for Intensive Outpatient (IOP). She says, “The impact of ESA has not only deepened my love of learning, but truly transformed who I am and how I see the world. I would have never been able to gain the opportunities I have nor the qualities within myself that make me who I am today. I always reflect on my times at ESA with gratitude.”
Henry Schneider has been awarded one of two Prizes for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Service in Boston University’s economics master’s program. Henry served as a member of the board of the Graduate Economics Association for the 2022-2023 school year. For his department’s Global Development Economics (MAGDE) Capstone Project, Henry and his team were contracted by a local government agency in Northeastern India “to study how various economic, social, and geographical factors affected the election of women in tribal communities to hold
administrative positions within their village’s public employment office.” Traveling in the area for three weeks, Henry and his research partner conducted about 120 interviews with local women and government officials. Henry’s studies will continue as he pursues a PhD.
2018
Camille Daigle graduated from LSU in 2022 with a bachelor of science degree and from the University of Vermont in 2024 with a master of science degree, both in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is a Speech Language Pathologist at Milton Elementary School.
Abigail Kitakule earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with minors in chemistry and French from Belmont University in 2022. She is a Research Fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/NIEHS) in the Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab.
Dominic Berthelot, ’17, graduated from Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans with a J.D. and a Certificate in International Legal Studies. While in law school, Dom was an intern for the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Lafayette and the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Covington, a summer intern for Justice Jay McCallum of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and a summer clerk for the Honorable Robert R. Summerhays of the Western District of Louisiana. In year three, Dom represented Loyola Law in the John L. Costello National Criminal Law Trial Advocacy Competition held at the Antonin Scalia College of Law in Arlington, Virginia. He and his co-counsel were National Quarterfinalists, placing 3rd out of 12 defense teams and 5th overall out of 24 teams. Dom was recognized as Best Oral Advocate in the quarterfinal round and was later named Outstanding 3L of Loyola’s Trial Advocacy Program. After taking the Louisiana bar exam this July, Dominic is beginning a one-year federal clerkship with the Honorable Jerry Edwards, Jr., in Alexandria.
2020
Isabelle Berthelot graduated from the University of the South, Sewanee with a bachelor of science degree in both Biology and Environmental Studies with honors.
After graduating from Clark University cum laude with a B.A. in sociology and a minor in environmental science, Charlotte Leavitt rowed for Clark while completing an accelerated master’s program in community development and planning. She was a Regional
Planning Intern at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission.
Christiaan Thibodeaux studied mechanical engineering at UL Lafayette and was the President of the Louisiana Engineering Society’s Student Section there.
an intern in the Washington D.C. offices of U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Lauren says the internship provided her with a valuable opportunity to immerse herself in the political landscape and gain practical knowledge in the field. The following fall, Lauren spent a semester at WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar, Germany.
2021
After completing her sophomore year at Tulane University, Lauren Gachassin spent the summer as
Luke LeGoullon was a member of the Dream Team, the all-male practice squad that helped the LSU Women’s Basketball team prepare
’16
Dom Berthelot, ’17
to win the national championship! In his spare time, Luke studies computer science at LSU.
2022
For his gap year, Felix Osborn spent three months in Zimbabwe working on an elephant research project, then traveled to Tanzania, where he helped to set up underwater coral farms and guided tourists on whale shark trips. Next, he worked in Costa Rica for an organization called Rescate, which has a research project with Texas A&M University. Through the project, Felix helped rehabilitate seized macaws and other parrots for release into the wild. Last stop: work on a Mayan archeology project in Belize with the University of Texas at Tyler. Now Felix is at Fordham University, where he is studying environmental science.
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Kate Kaufman, ’20, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Child Studies and Human Development. As an undergraduate, Kate served as Co-President of Ears for Peers, a confidential, anonymous helpline for Tufts students, and worked at the Boston Child Study Center. She is one of 30 students out of 762 applicants to be accepted into a doctorate degree program in Clinical Psychology at Stanford University’s PsyD Consortium. Kate says, “Coming to ESA in the ninth grade was truly transformative for me. ESA was the first place where teachers and faculty challenged me to reach my full potential academically and as a leader, which opened doors and led to many opportunities. In particular, the peer leadership program and ESA Abroad were incredibly significant in helping me to build confidence to venture outside my comfort zone. ESA’s high standards for learning certainly prepared me for college, but more importantly, the encouragement and support I received along the way created the foundation for a lifelong love of learning that has followed me through college and will continue into graduate school.”
Piper Leger is double majoring in psychology and film at the University of New Orleans. She’s also providing videography for marketing on the university athletic department’s social media and website, and interning at the Nims Center Studio Soundstages in New Orleans. Piper says, “As a creative, my time at ESA taught me how to integrate my creative side with my ability to think analytically. I now critically develop my creative ideas to make them appealing and impactful. ESA gave me the confidence to face challenges because I learned how to tackle them with a clear mind and a plan of action. I am not intimidated by challenges, and that has helped me thrive away from the ESA environment.”
Henry Shuffler, ’20
Heading into surgery together: Jennifer Movassaghi Moffett, ’98, and Rami Dibbs, ’13!
Jennifer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery and Rami is a plastic surgery resident at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Henry Shuffler, ’20, had a fantastic season as one of Tulane University’s top pitchers. Henry pitched for two years at the University of Louisiana Monroe before moving to Tulane, where he is majoring in sociology and minoring in strategy, leadership & analytics. Henry says, “ESA taught me the importance of a strong work ethic, which I use now both on and off the field. I also learned how to balance school work with my athletics, which has given me the confidence to be successful at Tulane.”
Piper Leger, ’22
Kate Kaufman, ’20
Jennifer Movassaghi Moffett, ’98, and Rami Dibbs, ’13.
Morgan Williams, ’23, Ursula Quoyeser and Sara Robichaux
Morgan Williams and the beach volleyball team from Texas Christian University were in Youngsville in May for the Conference USA tournament, and they went home as conference champions! Morgan is in the Honors College at TCU, and is double majoring in finance and accounting. Catching up with coaches
Alumni Donors by Class Year
Gifts to the Annual Fund or restricted funds by alumni convey their ongoing belief in the school’s mission and are an expression of appreciation from those who have experienced the benefits of an ESA education firsthand. Gifts from our alumni honor those whose generosity made their time as students at ESA exceptional. Donors are listed by class year in order to encourage participation and class unity.
Delcambre Broussard
Reed Monica
Curtis Hudson
Hults Jenny Malin Cole
Billy Plauché
Ursula Quoyeser and Sara Robichaux, Morgan said, “The skills ESA instilled in me have made the transition to college seamless. My ability to self-start, time manage, and think critically sets me apart. I learned how to build relationships with my coaches and teachers, discuss my goals, take feedback, and make a plan of action to attain my goals. I love my Falcon family!” 1983 Court Ramsay
Brenda Ahrabi Stelly
Kelly Curtis Lipari
Pilar Martinez Morrison
Jackie Plauché Cagley
Young Falcon Society
The Young Falcon Society recognizes alumni 35 years of age and younger who make a gift of $250 or more to the Annual Fund or restricted funds. As members of the Young Falcon Society, these young alumni are recognized as leadership donors.
Camden Cornwell, ’09
Gus Godchaux, ’07
Sam Hebert, ’17
Clara Little Frugé, ’08
Daniel Frugé, ’08
Mary Katherine Loos,’15
Chris Marcotte, ’07
Meaghan McCarron Savoy, ’08
Micah Nicholas, ’13
Frem Reggie, ’08
Andrew Reynolds, ’06
Mina Ross, ’07
Chris Savoy, ’07
Whitney Walker Linville, ’08
Laurie Edler Huffman
Scott Caradine Elizabeth Turney Ryan
Dinky Fuselier Scott Yarbrough
Davis
Miller
Boagni
Movassaghi
Nickel
Williams
Siao Yong Ly
Baronne
Montie Chappuis
Reed
Williams Herrington
Burgin
Cooper Kennedy
Desormeaux
Garrison Habbit Colleen Maley Rothman
Mestayer Upshaw
Scott
Hidell 2007
Gus Godchaux
Chris Marcotte
Mina Ross
Chris Savoy
2008 Daniel Frugé Lauren Guillory Bordelon Clara Little Frugé Meaghan McCarron Savoy
Reggie
ESA Abroad: Greece
Since its founding in 2009, ESA Abroad has sent over 100 students and 19 faculty members to six different destinations around the world, including Florence, London, Paris, the Galapagos, and Berlin. This year for the first time, the group traveled to Greece and Rome. Social Studies Department Chair Mr. Bill Wood and Upper School Head Dr. Kat Movassaghi led the group through Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Ionnina, Florence, Rome, and Vatican City. The travelers - sophomores, juniors, and seniors - focused on history, culture, and philosophy for a week before the trip, then spent the two weeks of the trip exploring what they studied firsthand.
The travelers - sophomores, juniors, and seniors - focused on history, culture, and philosophy for a week before the trip, then spent the two weeks of the trip exploring what they studied firsthand.
P.O. Box 380 • Cade, LA 70519 www.ESAcadiana.com
The first day of school marks twenty years since ESA Lower School opened its doors. Follow @esacadiana on Facebook and Instagram as we reflect and celebrate!
Photo by James Pham, ’32 Lower School Photography Cluster